Eternity Knot Paper Pieced Quilt Block

Basic Skills Necessary:

basic paper piecing skills

Pattern Description:

** updated Nov14 to include 12 inch pattern as well as 6 inch pattern **

The paper pieced Eternity Knot quilt block pattern contains clearly labeled foundation pattern sections & complete assembly instructions for both the square and on-point versions. As given, the pattern pieces make 6 inch (15.2 cm) and 12 inch (30.4 cm) blocks. Use the resizing chart to enlarge or reduce the pattern to a wide range of other sizes. You can also plan out your colors before cutting into your fabrics using the coloring page.

This fascinating and ancient endless knot pattern is known by several names, including Infinity Knot and Buddhist knot. Imagine it as a central medallion in a wall-hanging or a table runner. Sew an Eternity Knot quilt block in pale, delicate fabrics for a beautifully symbolic ring-bearer pillow. Or how about on a tote bag for your yoga mat to take to class in style?

Despite its apparent complexity, the Eternity Knot is not difficult to sew. It does, however, require some care and concentration in color placement and to assemble the units correctly. Therefore, it's not recommended as a first project for paper piecing newbies, although advanced beginners should have no trouble.

If you prefer quick-cut and standard piecing techniques, or are wanting to make larger-sized Eternity Knot blocks, check out my rotary cut version here: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/other/eternity-knot-rotary-cut-quilt-block/113245

Purchase of the Eternity Knot quilt block pattern permits you to sell items you sew yourself from the pattern (no mass production permitted). Mention of Piece By Number as the pattern designer will be appreciated.

Eternity Knot quilt pattern and all included graphics and text are copyrighted by Piece By Number and may not be copied, reproduced or redistributed in whole or in part without prior permission.

Add your comment:

I like this pattern.. I think I have seen it in one of my other books though and I think I want to use it in a design. ..though more towards jewelry.. hmmm.. :) maybe with some silver and gold.. or brass and tin to start with :)

I have this pattern in a book by Margaret Whitehead. I took her class in the mid-80s and made the quilt. The design is approximately 40x60 inches. You can add borders to make it as large as you'd like.

I am very new to quilting. My question is, you say your directions as is make a 6" block. Is that what your black, red & gold example is? In other words does this pattern need several of these blocks connected or by enlarging the block will I just have one in the center like shown. Hope my question makes some sense to you!

If you piece the pattern as provided, you will have a 6" finished block which is the entire knot. In the black and gold example, the knot block is set on point and finished with half-square triangles to make a larger square.

You can enlarge or reduce the block to any size you like by using the percentages table included in the pattern. If you want a very large size knot block, you will need to take the pattern to a copyshop that can print out on larger sizes of paper. One of my customers took the pattern to Staples, who only charged her $5.00 to enlarge to 36" square (though I've no idea if this would be true everywhere).

My daughter's best friend is getting married in November. My daughter is making her 1st quilt now and it is a tee shirt quilt and she is doing fabulously. My question is do you think that a beginner could handle this with some motherly advice?

Glad to hear your daughter is learning to quilt and doing well! For learning how to paper piece, I would suggest that she first try an easy log cabin block until she gets the hang of sewing on the paper with the fabric underneath. After one or two blocks, she should be able to manage the Eternity Knot pattern with patience, and with guidance from you. The individual sections are easy to sew, and as long as she takes her time to be sure the sections are sewn together in the right order and orientation, she should be fine!

I made my first paper piecing block yesterday. I tols my husband I was 16 hours & 5000 more gray hairs into a completed block that was incorrect but acceptable. I tossed one quarter block after 3 rip outs, put one aside and put 8 together with some color reversals. It is hard to think unside down and backwards. As usual I did not read directions, if there was directions, and dived right in. When, not if, I do paper piecing again I will clor mark my pattern on the side I will be sewing in.. With all the effort I had little but learned a lot and was pleased with the small return.

Welcome to paper piecing, Jean! As I mentioned above to SantaMaria, Eternity Knot is not ideal for someone's first try at paper piecing. That you ended up with a block you're pleased with, despite some frustration and re-sewing, is really commendable -- great work!

And yes, it's a terrific idea to mark the foundations with your color choices. The pattern pieces are generically marked Color A, Color B, and background. But if one takes a minute or two to further mark them with appropriately colored pencils or markers, it's soooo much easier to keep things straight this way. Just a dot of the right color in each area is all you need!

Pattern Reviews

eternity knot paper pieced June 23, 2013

Really enjoyed making this from piecebynumber, do intend to make it again maybe enlarging the size, and will take more care with the corners (oops!)

eternity knot paper pieced June 23, 2013

yvonne@vondraper.co.uk

Really enjoyed making this from piecebynumber, do intend to make it again maybe enlarging the size, and will take more care with the corners (oops!)

Eternity Knot Paper Pieced Quilt Block April 8, 2013

desna

This was a fun block to make and I am very pleased with how it turned out. It is a little difficult to piece together so I think it would be advisable to make a couple of simpler paper piecing blocks first. Highly recommend it.

Excellent block! October 30, 2012

Oma Rose

Love the block and the instructions were quite clear. Had problems with the reverse aspect but that sorted its self out quite quickly. I am new at this but had a good result.